Resource Directory /

Medical/Health and Wellness Resources

  • Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    The Illinois Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ITDHH) focuses on promoting the professional growth of teachers and the quality of education for people who are deaf and hard of hearing throughout Illinois. The organization hosts an annual conference and provides annual scholarship opportunities for teachers and students.

    ITDHH annual scholarship and grant opportunities for Illinois students and teachers include:

    • The “Hazel Bothwell Memorial Scholarships and Grants For Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing” provides funding to teachers to help strengthen learning and educational services for children who are deaf and hard of hearing. You must be a current ITDHH member to apply.
    • The “Jacki Marcus Memorial Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to pursue a two- or four-year college degree. 
    • The “Pierce-Scherer Student Scholarship for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students” is for high school seniors planning to attend a vocational or trade school.

  • Illinois Unidos – Advocating for Latinx Families

    Illinois Unidos provides a collection of resources developed for and focusing on Latinx families to address:

    • Frequently asked questions regarding vaccinations and mitigation measures
    • Accessing health, economic and mental health community services
    • The devastating economic impact of COVID-19

    Illinois Unidos is a consortium of more than 150 Latino elected and appointed officials, health professionals and representatives of community-based organizations.

  • Inclusion Brochure from the Illinois State Board of Education

    The Illinois State Board of Education’s Inclusion Brochure provides an overview of early childhood inclusion, the benefits of high-quality inclusive programs, teaching models that support inclusion, and more. It can also help families and professionals to better explain least restrictive environment (LRE) and inclusion.

    The brochure is also available in these languages:  Arabic Inclusion Brochure, Cantonese Inclusion Brochure, French Inclusion Brochure, Japanese Inclusion Brochure, Mandarin Inclusion Brochure, Polish Inclusion Brochure and Spanish Inclusion Brochure.

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

    The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.

    The U.S. Department of Education’s IDEA website has information for parents, students, educators, service providers and more on resources for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities. The site includes the IDEA Parents and Families Resource page.

  • Jack’s Basket

    Jack’s Basket supports new parents of a child with Down syndrome by providing information, a support system and a welcome basket to let them know they’re not alone. Baskets are available from the time of diagnosis (prenatal or at birth) up to the baby’s first birthday. Parents, friends, family members, healthcare providers or Down syndrome organizations can request baskets.

    The website also includes local and national resources to support people with Down syndrome and their families.

  • JCFS Chicago’s Respite Program

    JCFS Chicago’s Respite Program provides support to families caring for children and youth with special needs.

    Its program “takes a supportive, nurturing and therapeutic approach, combined with fun, social and recreational activities, while providing a well-deserved break for parents.”

    For more information, visit the JCFS website, email ask@jcfs.org or call toll-free at (855) ASK-JCFS (275-5237).

  • Kids 4 Good Center in Eldorado

    The Kids’ 4 Good Center in Eldorado provides children from ages 3 to 17 a unique opportunity to learn about generosity and giving back.  The “Youth Character Building Program” provides an opportunity for children to shop for their own needs and also select resources to give to others in need within their community. The Kids’ 4 Good Center and Store is a partnership with the Stress and Trauma Treatment Center, the Fowler Bonan Foundation and 4 Good Community

    The Kids 4 Good Store is located on Locust Street in Eldorado. The store is open on Saturdays from from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 and includes:

    • Shopping for all kids between the ages of 3 and 17
    • A store stocked with Amazon returns
    • Opportunities for individuals to volunteer to help children have a free dignified shopping experience

  • Kids in Need of McHenry County

    Kids in Need of McHenry County (KINMC) helps foster families with clothing, school supplies, playdates, birthdays and more. KINMC also provides a variety of supports and services for intact families, kinship placements and other families who are referred by case workers, social workers and other service agencies. Its programs include:

    • The Second Bridge resource program and distribution center where families can shop for clothing and supplies for free
    • A safe space for children to visit with their biological families and receive therapy, and caregivers can receive parent coaching
    • Back-to-school and holidays events

    Families can register for help on KINMC’s website.

  • Kids Wish Network

    The Kids Wish Network provides programs to help inspire hope, create happy memories, share comfort and reach kids in life-altering situations. The organization grants wishes and provides programs across the country to children between the ages of 3 and 18 who are facing extraordinary challenges due to illness, hospitalization, homelessness, and abuse. Anyone can refer a child.

    Kids Wish Network services include:

    • Lifetime Wishes – grants customized wishes to children who are battling a life-threatening medical condition
    • A Child Forever – comforts families devastated by the loss of a child by offering funeral assistance and ensuring a proper end-of-life ceremony
    • Holiday of Hope – brings holiday happiness to children facing poverty, addiction, homelessness and life-altering situations
    • Hero Wishes – helps brave kid-warriors who have survived tough and often tragic life circumstances
    • Project Toy Drop – delivers gifts and laughter to at-risk youth and kids of American servicemen or women

  • KidsWork Children’s Museum of New Lenox

    KidsWork Children’s Museum of New Lenox encourages children of all abilities to be curious explorers, engaged learners, creative and critical thinkers, and thoughtful and kind individuals. Kids can have playful learning experiences that encourage gross motor play, imaginative storytelling, creative projects and investigative discoveries across a range of developmental levels and interests. Sensory-friendly playtime is on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

    KidsWork Children’s Museum of New Lenox also offers a social story and other tools to help prepare for museum visits.